An intimate memoir by the controversial and outspoken, Oscar-winning director and screenwriter about his complicated New York childhood, volunteering for combat, and his struggles and triumphs making such films as Platoon, Midnight Ex...

"At last the world knows America as the savior of the world!" — Woodrow Wilson The notion of American exceptionalism, dating back to John Winthrop's 1630 sermon aboard the Arabella, still warps Americans' understanding of ...